An Integrated Study of the Cretaceous Sequence Stratigraphic Development in the Northern Stord Basin, North Sea

The Northern Stord Basin within the northern North Sea, situated on the eastern flank of the Viking Graben is still an underexplored basin. The objective of this study is to analyze the potential of the Cretaceous play in the Northern Stord Basin by using sequence seismic stratigraphic methodology. The subtle four-way closures or difficult pinch-out traps, post-rift sediments and underlying immature source rock are some of the challenges associated with the Cretaceous play.

The methodology includes interpretation of 3D seismic data, which is complimented by 2D regional seismic lines. The integrated analysis of these data has provided better understanding of vertical and horizontal distribution of the reservoirs, seal and trapping candidates.

From the observations, the Cretaceous sediments in Northern Stord Basin were deposited in deep-water depositional environments. Nevertheless, the clinoform features within this strata in the eastern part of it have gave positive evidence that some deep marine turbidity deposit directly shed from the shallow marine sediments. This new depositional concept can explain the exploration potential within Cretaceous interval in the Northern Stord Basin.